Train tickets

A guide to train travel in the USA

Train travel offers a unique way to explore the United States in all its glory. From sweeping coastlines to snow-capped mountains and bustling cities, rail travel in the US is a great way to experience the best of what this country has to offer.

Amtrak trains

Different train companies are operating in the United States, but the most popular is Amtrak, which is the national passenger rail service. The government-owned corporation is the largest and most well-known provider of intercity train service in the country, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states.

Amtrak operates a network of routes across the country, connecting major cities and smaller towns. Their trains include the high-speed Acela Express, which connects major cities on the East Coast, and long-distance trains such as the California Zephyr and the Empire Builder, which traverse the country from coast to coast.

In addition to Amtrak, numerous regional and local train operators provide service within specific areas of the country. For example, the Metra system serves the Chicago metropolitan area, while the MARC system serves the Baltimore and Washington D.C. region. Many of these operators offer connections to Amtrak trains, making it easy to travel to and from smaller towns and cities.

Amtrak train in California

Train travel in North America is an affordable and oftentimes more convenient way to get around. In addition to offering travelers a comfortable and often scenic mode of transport, trains can be far cheaper than flying or driving long distances.

Amtrak trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel between US cities.

• One reason to choose Amtrak for your intercity travel is that it can often be faster than driving or flying. For example, the Northeast Regional service that operates between Boston and Washington D.C. can get you from city center to city center in about the same amount of time it would take to drive, but without the hassle of dealing with traffic or airport security.

• Additionally, trains offer a number of amenities that can make your trip more enjoyable, such as dining cars, lounge cars, Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat.

• If your plans change, many train companies offer refund and exchange options. That's not the case for airlines, which often charge hefty change fees or non-refundable fares.

• Another reason to take the train is that it is a more environmentally friendly option compared to flying or driving. Trains are much more fuel efficient than airplanes, and they generate significantly less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile.

• Taking the train instead of driving can also help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Overall, Amtrak is a convenient, comfortable, and eco-friendly choice for intercity travel in the US.

Observation car in Amtrak's Coast Starlight at sunset (by Levi Clancy)

Amtrak train tickets online

The great thing about booking your train tickets online is that you don’t have to worry about missing out on a ticket or having to stand in line at the station. You can also get better prices when buying your tickets ahead of time online – often much cheaper than the tickets you’d buy at the station itself.

If you're looking for Amtrak train tickets or want to plan a train trip in the United States, Busbud is the place to start. Our online platform offers a wide range of train tickets from a variety of operators, including Amtrak, making it easy to find the best option for your needs.

You can find affordable bus tickets on the website or download the Busbud app on your phone (download from the App Store or the Google Play store). From there, you can search for bus tickets by entering your departure and arrival cities, as well as the desired travel dates. Busbud will then show you a list of available trains and bus schedules and prices from various bus companies, so you can compare and choose the best option for you.

Pacific Surfliner train traveling through California (by Hari Panicker)

How to find cheap train tickets

Here are some tips to help you find cheap train tickets:

1. Book in advance: Train tickets often get more expensive the closer you get to the travel date, so booking in advance can save you money.

2. Be flexible with your travel dates and times: Off-peak trains and midweek travel tend to be cheaper than peak-time trains on weekends.

3. Be aware of seasonality: train ticket prices change according to availability and seasonality. If you're traveling near big holidays, they sell out fast and tend to get more expensive.

4. Consider alternative routes: Sometimes, taking a different route or making an additional connection can save you money on your ticket.

5. Look for discounts: Many train companies offer discounts for students, seniors, and other groups. If you are eligible, make sure to take advantage of these discounts.

6. Sign up for alerts: Many train companies offer email or text alerts when they release special deals or discounts. By signing up for these alerts, you can be among the first to know about new offers.

Can booking train tickets online be cheaper?

You can definitely book your Amtrak tickets for a bargain if you book them online. Amtrak offers Saver Fares which are discounted train tickets when purchased online and in advance, so it's always worth checking if these are available for your journey. Busbud also gives customers the option to book round-trip tickets, which can be cheaper than two one-way tickets.

With the wide array of options available online for train tickets in North America – from one-way tickets to complex multi-city itineraries – planning your next trip has never been easier. Why fly when you can take a scenic tour across the continent with an Amtrak train, or hop on a short-distance ride for an enjoyable weekend getaway? With such great opportunities for train travel in North America, there’s never been a better time to book your tickets and jump aboard whether you are traveling with a train ticket or a bus ticket.